By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Animal lovers and barbecue fans alike flocked to the Seaway Valley Animal Hospital Sunday for Paws for the Cause, a fundraiser in support of the local animal shelter.
Dozens of residents accompanied by their four-legged friends enjoyed a summer barbecue with $10 nail trimmings, raffles for prizes, and a 50/50 draw, as children got their faces painted.
All proceeds were donated to the local Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).
To help make the event a success, the entire animal hospital staff was on hand, voluntarily giving up their day off.
“The OSPCA does a lot for the animals in this community so we’re happy to give back,” said Sarah Hay-McBean, an office manager at the animal hospital located on Pitt Street.
Jonathan Jasper, of Williamstown, and Katie Guay, a city resident, showed off their new pooch, Duke, an eight-week old Boxer-Rottweiler mix.
Duke, like his big brother Rookie, a two-year-old black Labrador-Rottweiler mix, was rescued from the shelter by the young couple.
“I’m a serious animal lover,” said Guay. “Adopting is the right way to go. There are too many animals that need homes.”
Jasper said the most rewarding part of rescuing an animal is the amount of affection they give once they feel safe in a new home.
Since the shelter relies on donations, OSPCA inspector Bonnie Bishop said events like Paws for the Cause offer tremendous support.
“We require volunteers to do a lot of public education, fundraising events, and engage the community on the issues that are important to the welfare of animals,” said Bishop.
She commended the animal hospital for helping the OSPCA’s feral cat program and Operation V.A.L.U.E. (Vulnerable Animals Left Unattended Everyday) campaign.
For more information about the OSPCA, visit www.sdg.ontariospca.ca/sdg.
